REFUGIO – A current with an electric charge runs through a cable, carrying string vibrations to an amplifier. For the sound system and the musical instruments powered by currents of electricity – even miked drums – all that remains is the talent to convert it to fun.

That is what the band No Vacancy is about: converting its talent to fun.

The band’s members say they don’t perform entirely for the money; it’s about fun and the love of music.

“We have many favorites, but two that stand out are “Take Me Out To A Dance Hall” and “Tonight’s Not The Night,” said Ponce.

No Vacancy’s first show was in July 2010. They had organized only a month earlier.

Since that time, the band has played numerous shows at different venues.

One of the biggest audiences the band performed for was at Padilla Hall in Refugio on New Year’s Eve.

“We’ve played some large venues but not as many in attendance (as Padilla Hall). We did a show in Waco for a horse sale and barrel racing competition where the venue was enormous,” Ponce said.

No Vacancy once had a Nashville act, Shea Fisher, open for them.

“That was really strange because she thought we were going to open for her,” Ponce said.

“But she went on first and then we came on after, and she stayed and danced to our music,” he added.

A professional sound and lighting company took care of all the front-of-house and stage, too.

“We felt like kings. We did that show on a Friday night then drove down to San Marcos and played one of the oldest Taverns in Texas – Riley’s Tavern – on Saturday night. It was fun,” Ponce said.

“We’ve made a name for us, playing cover songs,” said rhythm guitar player Jarrod Jessop.

Jessop said the band has played the Hay Barn, Padilla Hall, George West Storyfest, Convention Center in Waco, a couple of bars in San Marcos and Victoria, Raisin L Ranch, Brewster Street Ice House in Corpus Christi, Whataburger Field for a large cookoff, Texas Saloon – a Premont dance hall – The Grand Dancehall in Beeville, the Bee County Expo, the Backwoods Saloon in Ingleside, and many more.

“We’ve played every little dive in Refugio County,” said lead guitarist Barry Watson.

Watson, also known as “Big Bear,” said he has been in and out of No Vacancy. Many of the other players come and go, as well.

“I left No Vacancy for a year and a half. I did some other things, and got in a band up in Houston,” he said.

But now the Big Bear is back.

“We have about 60 songs on our list. We are a little rusty on a few but we can play about 45 of them just fine. Some of the reason is that we have had to re-introduce Barry to the group,” Ponce said.